How to Create a Media or Entertainment Room

Measure out the room first, so you will know how much furniture the room can take. Are there any windows in the room? If so they will need to be measured also. Where does the natural sunlight enter the room at different times of the day? If your room has no natural light, you will need to consider what type of lighting you will need. Before you can make this decision, what exactly is the room to be used for? who will be using the room? For example, is this to be used by the family? Is this a ‘guy’s den? Is this a chic retreat? Is the room to be used both during the daytime and evening? And the important question what your budget is?

Ideas for your media or entertainment room? That depends on what look you wish to achieve. Remember not to confuse the purpose of the room; are you looking for a home theatre system, where the family can gather, watch TV and play games? Do you intend eating in the room? Is there room for a bar complete with accessories and storage? Can you divide the room into separate areas? Don’t forget to allow extra space if you intend playing games. A pool table will need quite a lot of space and will also require space around the table, so the players have room to ‘shoot pool’. Remember you can always add to a room later. Start with the basics first. Be sure that the furniture you choose is not going to drown the room. There should be enough space to walk easily around the furniture. So for example, installing cinema seating may work out expensive if arranged correctly in rows so maximize the view of the screen. Would ‘Lazee Boy’ chairs be more practical or stylish sofas, have you considered a sectional. Where will your main screen or TV be positioned?

Decide your style. Are you looking for a modern contemporary look, a traditional look, a retro theme or maybe you wish to create an eclectic feel. Is leather your main choice for your furniture or are you more a tactile person and prefer fabrics, such as chenille or faux suede. Do you require easy-to-clean furniture for those sticky fingers?

Don’t forget also if the media or entertainment room is in the basement, how do you access the basement? Are there any awkward corners or stairs to negotiate? You will need to consider how you are going to get the furniture into your room. There is nothing worse than ordering furniture and then find out it will not go through the door!

Remember when considering a color theme for your room, what are you wanting to create? If creating a home theatre room, you may want a darker color scheme. If the room is to be a multipurpose room, then you can be a little more experimental with the décor.

Don’t forget, window dressing. Consider black out blinds or heavier fabric for drapes if you want to recreate a cinematic atmosphere. Alternatively, if this is to be a general entertaining room, you may wish to look for lighter fabrics such as linen, cool cotton, hessian, muslin or voile for your window treatments.

It may take you sometime to design your ‘special room’, but it is worth taking the time. Pin swatches of paint samples and materials (if you can obtain samples) on the walls of your room. This will give you an overall feel for the room you wish to create.

Use accessories such as rugs, cushions, drapes/blinds and throws to add color and textures to the room. Don’t forget wall art, here you could really be creative. Using framed vinyl records, album sleeves, trophies, photographs of your sporting heroes, to adorn your walls. For the ladies what about framing your favorite magazine front covers, modern canvas prints of movie stars or fashion icons.

Another bonus is that you could add value to your property if you create the right media or entertainment room. However, remember if the room is too personalized, it may not attract the right buyer.